When Yelp drops its annual Top 100 Best Places to Eat in the U.S. list, it’s less a ranking and more a snapshot of how America is eating right now. Yelp’s 13th annual list, published on Wednesday, January 21, proves that 2026 diners are chasing everything from Michelin-starred splurges to pop culture-inspired comfort food, all filtered through the collective appetite of the Yelp community. This year’s list spans the full spectrum, spotlighting fine-dining temples, fast-casual standouts, food halls, diners, and cozy neighborhood gems that punch well above their price point.
The big-picture takeaway? Dining trends continue to evolve. Yelp’s data points to the rise of “grandma-core” dining, featuring nostalgic dishes, cozy interiors, and food that feels like a hug. Japanese cuisine continues its reign, as Miami diners know very well, from meticulous sushi counters to craveable street-food-inspired concepts. And Gen Z-approved dress-up destinations are having a moment, with restaurants doubling as social stages where the vibe is just as important as the plate.
Out of the 100 restaurants selected nationwide, South Florida made a strong showing. Four local spots landed on the list overall, with three in Broward County and one in Miami. The biggest local win came from Cote Miami, which cracked the coveted top 20, landing at No. 20 on this year’s list of top 100 restaurants.
No. 20 – Cote Miami
A Miami restaurant landing the 20th spot makes sense, as the city has fully come into its own as a world-renowned dining destination. But this isn’t your ordinary restaurant — Cote is America’s first and only Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse, and its Miami outpost has become a go-to for celebratory dinners, expense-account nights, and anyone who appreciates precision and drama at the table. It’s also ranked among New Times‘ 10 Best Steakhouses in Miami, and it’s won New Times‘ Best Steakhouse in both 2021 and 2022…